TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

The Future of Dating and AI, Voice Technology, and Gaming Trends with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Adam Cohen-Aslatei

In this episode of TechMagic [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/techmagic-with-cathy-hackl/id1586989316], hosts Cathy Hackl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] and Lee Kebler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekebler/] dive into the latest developments in AI, gaming IP, and practical technology trends shaping the industry today. They explore why the current AI skepticism signals maturity, how AI solutions are moving beyond flashy features, and the rise of gaming as a prime entertainment and commercial frontier. In the second segment, Cathy interviews Adam Cohen-Aslatei [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-cohen-aslatei-0170018/], CEO of Three Day Rule, about how human-centered AI is transforming matchmaking. They discuss voice-first technology, data-driven compatibility, IRL dating resurgence, coaching as a skill, and why AI amplifies intuition rather than replacing human connection. Come for the tech and stay for the magic! Cathy Hackl Bio Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.  Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.  Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/spatialdynamics/] Lee Kebler Bio Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am [http://will.i.am] and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US. Lee Kebler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekebler/] Adam Cohen-Aslatei Bio Adam Cohen Aslatei is the CEO of Three Day Rule, one of the longest-standing matchmaking companies in the United States, with over 15 years of industry experience. With a background spanning dating app development, including roles at Bumble and the Meet Group, he brings a unique perspective on the evolution of digital dating and human connection. Adam is recognized for pioneering the integration of AI-driven matchmaking with traditional human-centered approaches, leveraging over 80,000 successful match data points to create outcomes-focused dating solutions. Adam Cohen Aslatei on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-cohen-aslatei-0170018/] Key Discussion Topics:  * 00:00 Intro * 03:15 AI's "So What?" Question: Moving Beyond Hype to Real Utility * 06:22 Apple Intelligence and Gmail Show the Power of Unobtrusive AI Integration * 10:18 The Trough of Disillusionment: Why We're Excited About AI's Reality Check * 12:22 Robotic Snow Removal and Vocational Work: AI Supporting Human Infrastructure * 17:33 Tech Magic Transitions to New Home with Big Plans Ahead * 18:45 Three-Day Rule: Building AI Matchmaking on 15 Years of Real Data * 20:24 How AI Sentiment Analysis Detects Truth in Dating Compatibility * 25:28 Voice-First Technology Creates More Authentic Human Connection * 29:13 Why In-Real-Life Dating Experiences Beat Endless Digital Swiping * 31:18 Dating as a Learnable Skill: How Coaching Increases Match Success by 40% * 34:45 Three Day Rule's 70-80% Success Rate vs. Dating Apps' 9% Failure * 40:09 Gaming IP Movies and the End of Marvel Fatigue * 43:41 Super Mario Galaxy, Iron Lung, and the Rise of Game Adaptations * 46:48 Fallout Series Success: How Gaming IP Drives Video Game Sales * 49:51 Gaming's Hidden Economy: Slot Machines, Free-to-Play, and Esports Silos * 51:17 Walmart and Unity SDK: Selling Physical Products in Virtual Worlds * 52:04 1.1 Million Unity Developers Get New Revenue Channels ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

AI Ads, Data Center Labor, Skilled Trades, XR Training, and Spatial Web with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/techmagic-with-cathy-hackl/id1586989316], hosts Cathy Hackl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] and Lee Kebler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekebler/], unpack the realities behind today’s AI headlines. They explore OpenAI’s shift toward advertising, the growing human bottleneck in data center expansion, and why the AI conversation is moving beyond productivity toward physical and human-centred systems. The discussion dives into the surprising earning power of skilled trades, how XR is transforming workforce training, and why the metaverse was never just about VR headsets. From VRChat to The Sims, Cathy and Lee reveal where the spatial web is quietly taking shape, and what it all means for the future of work and technology. Come for the tech and stay for the magic! Cathy Hackl Bio Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.  Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.  Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/spatialdynamics/] Lee Kebler Bio Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am [http://will.i.am] and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US. Lee Kebler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekebler/] Key Discussion Topics:  * 00:00 Intro * 00:33 The Shift in AI Conversation: From Productivity to Humanity * 05:15 OpenAI's Financial Crisis and the Ad-Supported ChatGPT Problem * 11:31 Can AI Intentionally Give Wrong Answers to Keep You Engaged? * 13:46 The Unexpected HVAC and Trades Shortage Fueling AI Infrastructure * 16:34 How XR Technology Transfers Expert Knowledge to New Tradespeople * 20:21 Meta's Metaverse Layoffs: Why Spatial Computing Is Still the Future * 25:33 VRChat Breaks Records While Gaming Embraces Living Worlds * 26:28 Luxury Brands Return to Gaming with Coach and The Sims * 28:08 Bethesda Revamps Fallout 76 After TV Show Success * 32:31 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

CES 2026 Trends, World Models, Privacy-First AI, Robotics Demos, Future Devices with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/techmagic-with-cathy-hackl/id1586989316], hosts Cathy Hackl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] and Lee Kebler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekebler/] return from a holiday break to unpack the most important ideas and innovations from CES 2026. Cathy breaks down how the AI conversation has evolved beyond large language models into embodied AI, agentic systems, world models, and on-device intelligence. The discussion spans standout demos, from attention-aware robots and immersive VR experiences to smart wearables and biodegradable batteries. Cathy and Lee also question whether AI is solving real problems or becoming an innovation theatre. We end with a forward look at 2027 as a critical inflection point for AI devices from Apple, OpenAI, and Meta. Come for the tech, stay for the magic! Cathy Hackl Bio Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.  Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.  Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/spatialdynamics/] Lee Kebler Bio Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am [http://will.i.am] and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US. Lee Kebler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekebler/] Key Discussion Topics:  00:00 Intro: Welcome Back to Tech Magic in 2026 03:27 AI's Evolution: From Language Models to Embodied Intelligence 05:30 Glasses Galore: Meta Ray-Ban Displays and Wearable Utility 09:26 Robots Everywhere: From Laundry Folders to AI-Powered Lawnmowers 12:00 CES 2027 Inflection Point: Q3-Q4 2026 Device Announcements to Watch 16:11 Innovation Theater vs. Problem-Solving: Evaluating Real Tech Impact 18:21 Trinity Vehicle and Cool Concepts: NVIDIA and Will.i.am's AI-Powered EV 20:51 Biodegradable Paper Batteries: Flint's Sustainable Solution 23:04 XR Display Glasses and Next-Gen Wearables: X Real and Gaming Integration 24:01 Attention Labs: On-Device AI and Data Sovereignty in Robotics 27:53 Why On-Device AI Matters: Global Markets and Data Regulations 29:30 IXR Podcast Meetup: Felix and Paul's Interstellar Arc VR Experience 33:32 LEGO Smart Bricks: The Future of Educational Robotics 35:44 Final Thoughts: CES as Geekapalooza and Plans for 2027 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Greatest Hits - Meta, Apple, XR Trends, the Future of Spatial Computing, and Creator Evolution with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler and Jeff Barrett

In this Greatest Hits episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech developments, from Meta's bold moves in AR to Apple's Vision Pro journey one year later. They highlight Meta's success with Ray-Ban AI glasses, Apple’s challenges in AR innovation, and how creators are evolving into media moguls. Cathy also interviews special guest Jeff Barrett, who shares insights on building sustainable creator careers, the rise of nano-influencers, and the global expansion of digital content platforms. Whether you’re into cutting-edge tech or the creator economy, this episode captures 2025’s emerging trends. Come for the tech, stay for the magic! Cathy Hackl Bio Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.  Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.  Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/spatialdynamics/] Lee Kebler Bio Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am [http://will.i.am] and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US. Lee Kebler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekebler/] Jeff Barrett Bio Jeff Barrett serves as the Chief Evangelist at the Shorty Awards, where he's been involved with the organization for 10 years. A former Shorty Award winner for Best Business Blogger, Barrett has evolved from a creator to an agency leader, demonstrating the possible progression within the creator economy. His journey began uniquely on MySpace and included creating a successful parody account on Twitter that inadvertently led to legitimate recognition in the marketing world. Barrett currently hosts the Shorty Awards show and runs a podcast called "It's No Fluke," which has produced over 130 episodes featuring leaders from major companies like Google, Meta, and the NFL. Jeff Barrett on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettall/] Key Discussion Topics * 00:00 -  Intro & Tech News Overview * 02:50 -  The Future of American XR: Competition and Innovation * 11:15 -  Meta's Metaverse Strategy: Make or Break Year * 28:18 -  Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later * 41:24 -  Interview with Jeff Barrett: The Evolution of the Shorty Awards * 47:32 -  The Creator Economy: Trends and Future Growth * 53:27 -  Building Sustainable Creator-Brand Partnerships * 01:02:34 -  Creator Identity & Platform Evolution * 01:07:55 -  Final Thoughts & Media Recommendations ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Greatest Hits: Love in the Age of AI: Cathy Hackl with Samantha G Wolfe on Dating, Ethics, and Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale

In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/techmagic-with-cathy-hackl/id1586989316], host Cathy Hackl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/] is joined by Samantha G Wolfe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthawolfe/], founder of PitchFWD [https://www.wearepitchfwd.com/] and NYU adjunct professor, to explore how AI and emerging tech are redefining relationships. From AI-generated love letters to dating in virtual environments, they examine the evolving boundaries between authentic connection and digital convenience. The duo discusses the ethics of emotional AI, the importance of human messiness, and the need for “non-AI pledges” in romance. Packed with Cathy’s real-world experiments and insightful commentary, this episode is essential for anyone navigating love, intimacy, and connection in a world increasingly shaped by technology. What you will learn: * How AI companions are being used beyond loneliness relief * Why the "messiness" of human relationships remains valuable  * How to navigate the balance between technology-enhanced and authentic human connections in modern dating using Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale * The emerging challenges of AI-generated messages in relationships * Why creating "non-AI relationship pledges" might become important  * How spatial computing and 3D interactions could transform the future of digital dating and what Cathy’s building to disrupt this space  * Why human presence and in-person connections remain crucial  Come for the tech, stay for the magic! Samantha G Wolfe Bio Samantha G Wolfe is the founder of Pitch Forward and an adjunct professor at NYU, where she teaches pioneering courses on avatars, AI agents, and virtual beings. With a background in psychology, television, and emerging tech, Sam specializes in brand strategy for bleeding-edge technologies, helping visionary companies clearly articulate their value and future impact. Her expertise spans AI, spatial computing, XR, haptics, and metaverse innovation across 20+ industries. Known for her clarity, depth, and contagious enthusiasm, she bridges the gap between innovation and understanding through thought leadership, marketing strategy, and education, empowering the world to grasp the true potential of tomorrow’s tech. Samantha G Wolfe on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthawolfe/] Key Discussion Topics: * 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Special Episode on Tech, Love & Life * 02:47 Dating in the Age of AI: Government Restrictions and Digital Romance * 12:20 Beyond Loneliness: The Many Reasons People Use AI Companions * 16:05 The Value of Human "Messiness" in Relationships * 21:00 Reimagining Digital Dating Through 3D Presence * 38:15 The Non-AI Relationship Pledge: Setting Digital Boundaries * 44:53 The Tech Intimacy Scale: Finding Balance in Modern Love * 50:20 Dating AI Chatbots: A Week-Long Experiment Preview * 58:54 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Human Connection ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.